Second Grade Update – Week of 12/11

Dear Second Grade Families, 

Happy Friday!    

Thank you to families who have donated to Adopt-a-Family or the Alameda Food Bank! These donations make individuals’ Christmas season brighter and more hopeful. It is so wonderful that our children understand the importance of demonstrating generosity and thoughtfulness. If you haven’t had a chance to donate yet, there is still time!

This week, students finished planning their informational paragraphs about a continent. After finishing their individual research, they gathered in groups of students who had the same continent to share their information. Then they started drafting! Next week, we will revise and edit to ensure all of those facts were turned into a well-written paragraph with a clear topic sentence, lots of details in the body, and a solid closing sentence. This writing will pave the way for a multi paragraph report about an animal later in the year.

Next week, we will also enjoy our annual Christmas concert on Thursday (children should arrive in the classroom between 6:40-6:50pm).
Below is our second grade learning update.

Focus Areas for Our Learning Next Week:

• Reading – 
  • In reading groups, students will start our new book clubs! Students will identify main characters and settings. As always, students will practice following along and participating in discussions! 🙂
  • At night, students should read aloud to practice fluent reading skills. Please encourage your child to observe punctuation, read at a good pace, and read the words as they appear in the text (no deletions or substitutions).
• Grammar/Spelling – In Superkids, students practice associating c with /s/ and g with /j/ (face, cage, fence, giraffe) and using punctuation in dialogue. Students should practice their spelling words for homework so they are prepared for the quiz on Friday.
• Writing – Students will finish drafting their informational piece about a continent. They will revise and edit before rewriting in their neatest handwriting.
• Math – The class will practice strategies for subtraction of 2-digit numbers when regrouping is required.
• Religion – We will learn about Jesus, the Savior. Not only is Jesus the Son of God, he came to save us and bring eternal life. We also look to him as our model of kindness, compassion, and service to others.
• Social Studies – Students will complete our unit, Exploring our World, with an assessment.
• Science – The class will connect to our unit focus about the types of materials we use and why certain materials are used for specific purposes by thinking about why we wear clothes! They will imagine being marooned on a deserted island with limited supplies and create a hat that will best protect them from the harsh sun!

Other Updates for this Week:

• Spirit of Giving
  • Adopt-A-Family (due by Dec. 11) – Second grade is being asked to donate the following items: 
    • Body spray, full-sized
    • Bath + body kits
    • Underwear + socks
    • Gift cards to activities: movies, ice cream shop, bowling, Exploratorium, etc. 
  • Alameda Food Bank (due by Dec. 20) – Please share 1-2 items to support the Alameda Food Bank. Anything non-perishable in a non-glass container. 
• Covid Daily Screening – Please continue to do the daily screening. Your diligence is important and appreciated.
• Dates to Remember:
  • Friday, Dec. 8 – All School Mass: Feast of the Immaculate Conception, 9:30 a.m.
  • Friday, Dec. 8 – Winter Wonderland, 5:30-8:00 p.m.
  • Monday, Dec. 11 – Adopt-a-Family Gifts Are Due
  • Tuesday, Dec. 12 – Free Dress for December Birthdays
  • Thursday, Dec. 14 – Christmas Concert, 7:00 p.m. Students’ Attendance Required
  • Wednesday, Dec. 20 – Christmas Free Dress; Noon Dismissal, no share and care
  • December 21 – January 3 – Christmas Break: NO SCHOOL – No Share and Care

We look forward to seeing our students on Monday!

All the best,
Catherine